Last Will and Testament in Rhode Island
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Rhode Island law says
| Requirements for a valid will | A person of sound mind who is 18 or older may make a will. The will must be in writing and signed by the person making it (or by someone else in their presence and at their express direction). The signature must be made or acknowledged in front of two or more witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses must sign in the presence of the person making the will. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-5-2, 33-5-5 |
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| Self-proving affidavit | One or more of the witnesses may sign an affidavit before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths (in or out of state), at any time after the will is signed, stating the facts of its execution. If no one objects, the affidavit is enough evidence that the will was properly signed, so witnesses need not testify. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-7-26 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Rhode Island has no general rule recognizing handwritten, unwitnessed wills; the standard two-witness requirement applies. A narrow exception lets soldiers, airmen, mariners and sailors in the circumstances described in the statute dispose of personal property as they could under earlier law. The military/mariner exception covers personal property only. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-5-5, 33-5-6 |
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Rhode Island tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.